Heteroscorpionate Complexes Research Articles

An Artificial Metalloenzyme Based on a Copper Heteroscorpionate Enables sp3 C–H Functionalization via Intramolecular Carbene Insertion

The selective functionalization of sp3 C–H bonds is a versatile tool for the diversification of organic compounds. Combining attractive features of homogeneous and enzymatic catalysts, artificial metalloenzymes offer an ideal means to selectively modify these inert motifs. Herein, we report on a copper(I) heteroscorpionate complex embedded within streptavidin that catalyzes the intramolecular insertion of a carbene into sp3 C–H bonds. Target residues for genetic optimization of the artificial metalloenzyme were identified by quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics simulations. Double-saturation mutagenesis yielded detailed insight on the contribution of individual amino acids on the activity and the selectivity of the artificial metalloenzyme. Mutagenesis at a third position afforded a set of artificial metalloenzymes that catalyze the enantio- and regioselective formation of β- and γ-lactams with high turnovers and promising enantioselectivities.

A Synergy and Struggle of EPR, Magnetometry and NMR: A Case Study of Magnetic Interaction Parameters in a Six-Coordinate Cobalt(II) Complex.

Herein, we combine for the first time SQUID magnetometry, cw-EPR, THz-EPR, and paramagnetic NMR spectroscopies to study the magnetic properties of a high-spin cobalt(II) heteroscorpionate complex. Complementary information provided by these methods allowed precise determination of the magnetic interaction parameters, thereby removing the ambiguity inherit to single-method studies. We systematically investigate the extent to which information about the magnetic interaction parameters can be deduced from reduced data sets. The detailed study revealed significant different magnetic properties in solid state and solution. To further exploit the information content of the solution NMR experimental results, we introduce the new concept of reduced paramagnetic shift. It allows for the determination of the magnetic axes and, subsequently, full NMR signal assignment. It is shown that even in complicated cases, in which common NMR analytics (integral intensities, relaxation factors, etc.) fail, it yields robust results.

Magnesium, calcium and zinc [N2N'] heteroscorpionate complexes.

A new family of sterically demanding N2N' heteroscorpionate pro-ligands (HC(tBu2pz)2SiMe2N(H)R (R = iPr, tBu, Ph, Xyl)) has been prepared via a straightforward modular synthetic route. An extensive study into the synthesis and characterisation of lithium, magnesium, calcium and zinc complexes supported by both 3,5-tBu and 3,5-Me substituted N2N' ligand families has been conducted. Attempted deprotonation of the pro-ligands with nBuLi afforded the corresponding lithium salts Li{HC(tBu2pz)2SiMe2NR} (R = iPr (1), tBu (2), Ph (3) and Xyl (4)) but air- and thermal-sensitivity limited the yields of these potentially useful precursors; only the sterically encumbered ligand system allowed clean reactivity. Magnesium methyl complexes Mg{HC(tBu2pz)2SiMe2NR}Me (R = iPr (5) and R = Ph (6)) were prepared using an excess of the Grignard reagent MeMgCl. Magnesium butyl complexes were synthesised in good yields using the dialkyl precursor MgnBu2 to afford Mg{HC(R'2pz)2SiMe2NR}nBu (R' = Me; R = iPr (7), tBu (8), Ad (9), Ph (10). R' = tBu; R = iPr (11), Ph (12)). Protonolylsis reactions were used to synthesise magnesium and calcium amide complexes Mg{HC(R'2pz)2SiMe2NR}{N(SiHMe2)2} (R' = Me; R = iPr (13), tBu (14), Ph (15). R' = tBu; R = Ph (16)) or Mg{HC(R'2pz)2SiMe2NR}{N(SiMe3)2} (R' = Me; R = iPr (17), tBu (18), Ph (19). R' = tBu; R = Ph (20)), and Ca{HC(R'2pz)2SiMe2NR}{N(SiMe2)2} (L) (R' = Me; L = thf; R = iPr (21), tBu (22), Ph (23). R' = tBu; L = none; R = Ph (24). Zinc methyl complexes Zn{HC(R'2pz)2SiMe2NR}Me (R' = Me; R = iPr (25), tBu (26), Ph (27). R' = tBu; R = Ph (28)) were prepared by reaction of the N2N' heteroscorpionate pro-ligands with ZnMe2. In preliminary studies, magnesium amide complexes 16 and 20 were evaluated as initiators for the ring-opening polymerisation (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) and rac-lactide (rac-LA). Although the overall polymerisation control was poor, 16 and 20 were found to be active initiators.

Exploring Oxidation State-Dependent Selectivity in Polymerization of Cyclic Esters and Carbonates with Zinc(II) Complexes

SummaryNeutral zinc alkoxide complexes show high activity toward the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters and carbonates, to generate biodegradable plastics applicable in several areas. Herein, we use a ferrocene-chelating heteroscorpionate complex in redox-switchable polymerization reactions, and we show that it is a moderately active catalyst for the ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide, ɛ-caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, and δ-valerolactone. Uniquely for this type of catalyst, the oxidized complex has a similar polymerization activity as the corresponding reduced compound, but displays significantly different rates of reaction in the case of trimethylene carbonate and δ-valerolactone. Investigations of the oxidized compound suggest the presence of an organic radical rather than an Fe(III) complex. Electronic structure and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to support the proposed electronic states of the catalytic complex and to help explain the observed reactivity differences. The catalyst was also compared with a monomeric phenoxide complex to show the influence of the phosphine-zinc interaction on catalytic properties.

An Efficient and Versatile Lanthanum Heteroscorpionate Catalyst for Carbon Dioxide Fixation into Cyclic Carbonates.

A new lanthanum heteroscorpionate complex has shown exceptional catalytic activity for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and carbon dioxide. This catalyst system also promotes the reaction of bio-based epoxides to give an important class of bis(cyclic carbonates) that can be further used for the production of bio-derived non-isocyanate polyurethanes. The catalytic process requires low catalyst loading and mild reaction conditions for the synthesis of a wide range of cyclic carbonates.

ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Oxazolidinones from Epoxides and Isocyanates Catalyzed by Aluminium Heteroscorpionate Complexes.

AbstractThe reaction has a broad substrate scope, thus tolerating functionalized aryl and alkyl substituted epoxides and arylisocyanates, but no alkyl isocyanates.

Synthesis of Oxazolidinones from Epoxides and Isocyanates Catalysed by Aluminium Heteroscorpionate Complexes

AbstractThe combination of an aluminium(heteroscorpionate) complex and tetrabutylammonium bromide acts as a highly efficient catalyst system for the synthesis of oxazolidinones from epoxides and isocyanates. Twenty two complexes were tested derived from a range of bispyrazole ligands and containing 1–3 aluminium atoms per complex. The optimal catalyst was found to be a bimetallic complex of a thioacetamidate ligand. Under the optimal reaction conditions (80 °C in toluene for 24 h using 5 mol % of both aluminium catalyst and tetrabutylammonium bromide co‐catalyst), six epoxides were reacted with six aromatic isocyanates, giving 25 oxazolidinones in moderate to excellent yields showing broad substrate scope. The regiochemistry of the reaction (to produce 3,4‐ or 3,5‐oxazolidinones) is controlled by the substrate with epoxide ring opening occurring preferentially at the less hindered end of the epoxide unless a substituent on the epoxide can stabilise a positive charge.

Switchable Polymerization of Norbornene Derivatives by a Ferrocene‐Palladium(II) Heteroscorpionate Complex

The ferrocene‐chelating heteroscorpionate complex [(fc(PPh2){BH{(3,5‐Me)2pz}2})PdMe] {(fcP,B)PdMe, fc = 1,1′‐ferrocenediyl, pz = pyrazole} catalyzes the addition polymerization of norbornene and norbornene derivatives upon oxidation with [AcFc][BArF] {acetyl ferrocenium tetrakis(3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate}. In situ reduction of [(fcP,B)PdMe][BArF] in the presence of a substituted norbornene results in significant decrease of catalytic activity. Addition of one equivalent of oxidant restores the activity.

ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates Catalyzed by Aluminum Heteroscorpionate Complexes.

AbstractA newly developed aluminum heteroscorpionate complex is used for transformation reactions of various substituted epoxides into the corresponding carbonates.

Crystal structure of ortho-rhom-bic {bis-[(pyridin-2-yl)meth-yl](3,5,5,5-tetra-chloro-pent-yl)amine-κ(3) N,N',N''}chlorido-copper(II) perchlorate.

In the title compound, [CuCl(C17H19Cl4N3)]ClO4, the Cu(II) ion adopts a distorted square-planar geometry defined by one chloride ligand and the three nitro-gen atoms from the bis-[(pyridin-2-yl)meth-yl](3,5,5,5-tetra-chloro-pent-yl)amine ligand. The perchlorate counter-ion is disordered over three sets of sites with refined occupancies 0.0634 (17), 0.221 (16) and 0.145 (7). In addition, the hetero-scorpionate arm of the bis-[(pyridin-2-yl)meth-yl](3,5,5,5-tetra-chloro-pent-yl)amine ligand is disordered over two sets of sites with refined occupancies 0.839 (2) and 0.161 (2). In the crystal, weak Cu⋯Cl inter-actions between symmetry-related mol-ecules create a dimerization with a chloride occupying the apical position of the square-pyramidal geometry typical of many copper(II) chloride hetero-scorpionate complexes.

Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates Catalysed by Aluminium Heteroscorpionate Complexes.

New aluminium scorpionate based complexes have been prepared and used for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and carbon dioxide. Bimetallic aluminium(heteroscorpionate) complexes 9-14 were synthesised in very high yields. The single-crystal X-ray structures of 12 and 13 confirm an asymmetric κ(2)-NO-μ-O arrangement in a dinuclear molecular disposition. These bimetallic aluminium complexes were investigated as catalysts for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and carbon dioxide in the presence of ammonium salts. Under the optimal reaction conditions, complex 9 in combination with tetrabutylammonium bromide acts as a very efficient catalyst system for the conversion of both monosubstituted and internal epoxides into the corresponding cyclic carbonates showing broad substrate scope. Complex 9 and tetrabutylammonium bromide is the second most efficient aluminium-based catalyst system for the reaction of internal epoxides with carbon dioxide. A kinetic study has been carried out and showed that the reactions were first order in complex 9 and tetrabutylammonium bromide concentrations. Based on the kinetic study, a catalytic cycle is proposed.

Synthesis and characterization of heteroscorpionate-based manganese carbonyl complexes as CO-releasing molecules

Tricarbonylmanganese(I) complexes of the heteroscorpionate ligand 3,3-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)propionate (bpzp) and the tris-imidazole complex fac-[Mn(CO)3(HIm)3]Br were prepared. These and the literature-know tricarbonyl complexes based on bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetate (bdmpza), bis(pyrazol-1-yl)acetate (bpza), 3,3-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)propionate (bdmpzp) and fac-[MnBr(CO)3(Hpz)2] were tested for their potential to act as photoactivable CO-releasing molecules (PhotoCORMs) by the UV/Vis spectroscopy based myoglobin assay. The manganese(I) complexes of the monodentate imidazole and pyrazole ligands lack stability in solution and show fast CO release already in the dark. In the four heteroscorpionate complexes, the substitution pattern and the chain length of the carboxylate moiety have a pronounced influence on the stability in solution and the CO release properties.

Synthesis and characterization of ferrocene-chelating heteroscorpionate complexes of nickel(II) and zinc(II).

The first example of a ferrocene-chelating heteroscorpionate, [Li(THF)2][fc(PPh2)(BH[(3,5-Me)2pz]2)] ((fc(P,B))Li(THF)2, fc = 1,1'-ferrocenediyl) is described. Starting from a previously reported compound, fcBr(PPh2), a series of ferrocene derivatives, fc(PPh2)(B[OMe]2), [Li(OEt2)][fc(PPh2)(BH3)], [Li(THF)2][fc(PPh2)(BH[(3,5-Me)2pz]2)] (pz = pyrazole), was isolated and characterized. Compound (fc(P,B))Li(THF)2 allowed the synthesis of the corresponding nickel and zinc complexes, (fc(P,B))NiCl, (fc(P,B))NiMe, (fc(P,B))ZnCl, and (fc(P,B))ZnMe. All compounds were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, while the zinc and nickel complexes were also characterized by X-ray crystallography. The redox behavior of (fc(P,B))NiCl, (fc(P,B))NiMe, (fc(P,B))ZnCl, and (fc(P,B))ZnMe was studied by cyclic voltammetry and supported by density functional theory calculations.

Synthesis of cyclic carbonates catalysed by aluminium heteroscorpionate complexes

A trimetallic aluminium complex catalyses the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2at room temperature and pressure.

Synthesis of cyclic carbonates using monometallic, and helical bimetallic, aluminium complexes

The aluminium complexes of a series of bis(pyrazol-1-yl)methane derived ligands were investigated as catalysts for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from carbon dioxide and epoxides. A bimetallic, helical, heteroscorpionate complex displayed significantly higher catalytic activity than the corresponding monometallic complexes. The optimal reaction conditions were found to involve the use of 5 mol% of the bimetallic complex and 5 mol% of tetrabutylammonium bromide under solvent free conditions in the presence of 10 bar of wet carbon dioxide. Under these conditions, eleven monosubstituted epoxides were converted into the corresponding cyclic carbonates in 51–91% yield. A kinetic study showed that the reactions were first order in epoxide, catalyst and tetrabutylammonium bromide and allowed a catalytic cycle to be proposed.

On the Search for NNO-Donor Enantiopure Scorpionate Ligands and Their Coordination to Group 4 Metals

The preparation of new chiral bis(pyrazol-1-yl)methane-based NNO-donor scorpionate ligands in the form of the lithium derivatives [Li(bpzb)(THF)] [1; bpzb = 1,1-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-3,3-dimethyl-2-butoxide] and [Li(bpzte)(THF)] [2; bpzte = 2,2-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-1-p-tolylethoxide] or the alcohol ligands (bpzbH) (3) and (bpzteH) (4) has been carried out by 1,2-addition reactions with trimethylacetaldehyde or p-tolualdehyde. The separation of a racemic mixture of the alcohol ligand 3 has been achieved and gave an enantiopure NNO alcohol-scorpionate ligand in three synthetic steps: (i) 1,2-addition of the appropriate lithium derivative to trimethylacetaldehyde, (ii) esterification and separation of diastereoisomers 5, (iii) saponification. Subsequently, the enantiopure scorpionate ligand (R,R)-bpzmmH {6; R,R-bpzmmH = (1R)-1-[(1R)-6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]2-hepten-2-yl]-2,2-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)ethanol} was obtained with an excellent diastereomeric excess (>99% de) in a one-pot process utilizing the aldehyde (1R)-(-)-myrtenal as a chiral substrate to control the stereochemistry of the newly created asymmetric center. These new chiral heteroscorpionate ligands reacted with [MX(4)] (M = Ti, Zr; X = NMe(2), O(i)Pr, OEt, O(t)Bu) in a 1:1 molar ratio in toluene to give, after the appropriate workup, the complexes [MX(3)(kappa(3)-NNO)] (7-18). The reaction of Me(3)SiCl with [Ti(NMe(2))(3)(bpzb)] (7) or [Ti(NMe(2))(3)(R,R-bpzmm)] (11) in different molar ratios gave the halide-amide-containing complexes [TiCl(NMe(2))(2)(kappa(3)-NNO)] (19 and 20) and [TiCl(2)(NMe(2))(kappa(3)-NNO)] (21 and 22) and the halide complex [TiCl(3)(kappa(3)-NNO)] (23 and 24). The latter complexes can also be obtained by reaction of the lithium compound 1 with TiCl(4)(THF)(2) and deprotonation of the alcohol group of 6 with NaH, followed by reaction with TiCl(4)(THF)(2) in a 1:1 molar ratio, respectively. Isolation of only one of the three possible diastereoisomers of the complexes 19 and 22 revealed that chiral induction from the ligand to the titanium center took place. The structures of these complexes were elucidated by (1)H and (13)C{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy, and the X-ray crystal structures of 3-7, 12, and 24 were also established. Finally, we evaluated the influence that the chiral center of the new heteroscorpionate complexes has on the enantioselectivity of the asymmetric epoxidation of allylic alcohols.

Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Cyclic Esters by an Enantiopure Heteroscorpionate Rare Earth Initiator

With a sting in its tail: An enantiopure neodymium complex (see scheme) acts as an efficient single-site initiator for the controlled ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide, forming isotactic polyester. The heteroscorpionate complex was characterized spectroscopically and by X-ray diffraction.

Branched Polyethylenes by Cationic Benzyl Zirconium Heteroscorpionate Complexes: Role of the Borate Anion

AbstractSummary: A comparative study of the performances of (bpzmp)ZrBz3 (1) and (hppzm)ZrBz3 (2) activated with B(C6F5)3 or [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] in ethylene polymerisation pointed out that the steric properties of the metal complex and the boron activator affect the productivity of the catalyst and, more remarkably, the microstructure of the polyethylenes produced. A polymerisation mechanism accounting for these results has been proposed.Structure of two heteroscorpionate zirconium complexes (bpzmp)ZrBz3 (1) and (hppzm)ZrBz3 (2).magnified imageStructure of two heteroscorpionate zirconium complexes (bpzmp)ZrBz3 (1) and (hppzm)ZrBz3 (2).

New Complexes of Zirconium(IV) and Hafnium(IV) with Heteroscorpionate Ligands and the Hydrolysis of Such Complexes To Give a Zirconium Cluster

A series of zirconium and hafnium heteroscorpionate complexes have been prepared by the reaction of MCl4 (M = Zr, Hf) with the compounds [[Li(bdmpza)(H2O)](4)] [bdmpza = bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetate], [[Li(bdmpzdta)(H2O)](4)] [bdmpzdta = bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)dithioacetate], and (Hbdmpze) [bdmpze = 2,2-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)ethoxide] (the latter with the prior addition of Bu(n)Li). Under the appropriate experimental conditions, mononuclear complexes, namely, [MCl3(kappa3-bdmpzx)] [x = a, M = Zr (1), Hf (2); x = dta, M = Zr (3), Hf (4); x = e, M = Zr (5), Hf (6)], and dinuclear complexes, namely, [[MCl2(mu-OH)(kappa3-bdmpzx)]2] [x = a, M = Zr (7), Hf (8); x = dta, M = Zr (9); x = e, M = Zr (10)], were isolated. A family of alkoxide-containing complexes of the general formula [ZrCl2(kappa3-bdmpzx)(OR)] [x = a, R = Me (11), Et (12), iPr (13), tBu (14); x = dta, R = Me (15), Et (16), iPr (17), tBu (18); x = e, R = Me (19), Et (20), (i)Pr (21), (t)Bu (22)] was also prepared. Complexes 11-14 underwent an interesting hydrolysis process to give the cluster complex [Zr6(mu3-OH)8(OH)8(kappa2-bdmpza)8] (23). The structures of these complexes have been determined by spectroscopic methods, and the X-ray crystal structures of 7, 8, and 23 were also established.

Complexes of Heteroscorpionate Trispyrazolylborate Ligands. Part 10. Structures and Fluxional Behavior of Rhodium(I) Complexes with Heteroscorpionate Trispyrazolylborate Ligands, Tp‘ ‘Rh(LL) (LL = (CO)2or COD)

Heteroscorpionate Tp‘ ‘ ligands constructed of two 3-phenyl-5-methylpyrazolyl and a variable third pyrazolyl residue (3-methyl-5-phenyl-, 3,5-dimethyl-, and 3,5-diethylpyrazolyl) coordinate to rhodium(I) in a κ2 fashion to form Tp‘ ‘Rh(LL) complexes (where LL = COD or (CO)2). One of the two 3-phenyl-5-methylpyrazolyl and the less sterically hindered pyrazolyl coordinate through N(2) atoms, while the axially appended 3-phenyl-5-methylpyrazolyl is in side-on conformation. The Tp‘ ‘Rh(COD) complexes possess C1 symmetry in the solid state. The energy of activation of the exchange between coordinated and uncoordinated pyrazolyls was estimated from variable-temperature 1H NMR measurements. Two ΔG⧧ values were found for heteroscorpionate complexes. The ΔG⧧1 − ΔG⧧2 depends on a difference in steric demands of competing pyrazoles. For the homoscorpionate TpPh,MeRh(COD) complex two rotational isomers were identified by low-temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy, which originate from slow rotation of the dangling 3-phenyl-...